Has anyone ever converted from oil to propane??

Question

I just found out that I can convert from oil @ 4.71/gal to Propane @ 2.99/gal for about $1500.00. Is it worth it in the long run??? I live in Maine and winters get dang cold!!

Wood and Pellet stoves (too high in demand already here) are not an option for me.....

Thanks!

Answer 1

Propane is not cheap either but it seems cheaper than oil in your case. It's very clean to burn. I use propane for my gas logs to take the morning chill off and I go through about 100 gallons per season. It supplements my heat pump for real warmth when I desire it. My gas logs really throw out some heat. However, I tend to think you will use much more than 100 gallons per season. I like propane better than natural gas because it's not force fed with air pressure like natural gas is. It does have it's own pressure built in but it's not being fed more air like natural gas is when demand is up. This little known habit of adding pressure to the lines creates a less than normal yellow flame at the burners which creates inefficient heat. In effect... A blue flame is hotter than a yellow flame. Having said that... I like the steady hot blue burning flame of propane. Just to add a little tidbit for you... I own my tank. I get my propane during the summer off season price on average .50 less per gallon. Tanks are not as expensive as one might think. You may want to investigate your options to save more money. Good luck on your change.